** VISUAL  ARTS **
            INFUSION

This year our arts team consists of seven people. If all goes as planned we will soon
have an eighth member. Our team currently includes Mrs. Brewster and Mr.
Burkhardt (visual art), Mrs. Gardner (guidance), Ms. Mazza (media), Mrs. Meighan
(drama), Mr. Prevatt (p.e.), and Mrs. Register (music). For 6 short weeks we were
fortunate to have a wonderful visual arts intern in Mrs. Brewster's infusion classes.
Mr. Sean Pritchard has gone on to student teach at Lincoln High School and has
graduated from F.S.U.
A quick review on how the arts are delivered to our students at Apalachee will help
you understand your child's experiences. Art for arts sake is still the main focus in
regular special area classes. Classroom (infusion) links are made whenever
possible. Special area benchmarks and skills are the focus with classroom
benchmarks added when
they fit. In infusion classes, lessons are co-planned and co-taught by an arts


team member and the classroom teachers, focusing on teaching classroom
benchmarks as well as arts benchmarks. Units of study and individual lessons are
developed in planning sessions provided for by a Title II (teacher training) grant.
This provides for in depth study of classroom curriculum through the arts.
The third area of arts development for our students takes place during studio classes
for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. After choosing an area of study they wish to pursue,
students go to a weekly, bi-weekly, or year long class. They develop their skills and
talents in a particular arts area during their studio class attendance. Our schedules
have changed several times throughout the semester and will change again when a
new teacher is hired. Your children will continue to participate in daily special area
classes. Infusion will be scheduled once per week and studio classes will continue.
          In Mrs. Brewster's infusion classes, we have done many lessons linking


the arts and classroom curriculum.
These include:
Colors
Shapes
Patterns
Vincent Van Gogh and the Study of Wind
Data Gathering
Predictions
Imagination
Cartooning (Sequencing)
Ancient Egypt
Friends
Hoedown Fun
Measurement
Tessellations
Study of Mathematician M.C. Escher
Native Americans of the Northwest, East, Plains & Southwest
Optical Illusions
Transformations
Graphing
Research, Writing & Animal Collage
Solar Systems
Self Portraits (Study of Leonardo da Vinci)
Geometry and Abstraction
Math and the Arts
We look forward to a full and educational 2nd semester. Currently displayed are
artworks at DOE and MOA. Student artists are:

      MOA
Kio Kawaguchi
John Gregulak
Denise Jackson
Hasani Kilpatrick
Taylor Washington
Victoria Wise
Alicia Rogers
Amanda Merkison
Charolette Langston
Clara Wunschel
Herron Wilson
Mantrell Keaton
Alicia Rogers
Jamar Burgess
Chelsea Burgess
Samantha Shepheard
Lakristeria Triplett
David Schaffer
Jared Greene
Isiah Raines
Myesha Donaldson
Brian Jones Minor
Garrett Roberts
Chis Alexander
Whitney Wiley
Natcha Rivera
Kristy Stewart
Lashundrick Triplett
Dave Monroe
Keosha Torres
Darilyn Cotton
Taylor Jones
Taylor Lawhead
Michael Momontoy
Rashiri Johnson
Shabazz Baxter
Tamara Zuokemefa
Austin Pratt
Lawqueshia
Natsha Trueblood
D'warren Brown
Tellie Corey
Ashley Brooks
Marlin Morrison
Naomi Diaz
Kristina Hall
Tamarick Roberts
Kupreu Mobley
Kerry Hager
Clarence Hammer
Devin Portwood
Jayland Jennings
Lakerra Britt
Lofton Wilson
Doris Dean
Hadlee Munday
Elexess Fountaine
Ayla Moesch
Jordan Williams
Marland Patterson
Kierra Price
Jamal Dion
Joshua Bannister
Rene Gonzalez
Justin Martinez
Matae Smith
Jordan Flannigan
Jacob Lugviel
Mariah Jordan
Aziza Owens
Tyra Munroe
Shaniqua Taylor
D'kel Littles
Shari Maugual
Nicholas Gustafson
Jalicia Wiggins
Eric Cromartie
D'kera Walters
Christopher Smith-Butler
Bryan Bend
Erik Stephens
Chavonna Patterson

       DOE
Skylar Goodwin
Troy Green
Donterrius Allen
Sandysia Saintairge
Brant Williams
Javarick Edwards
Matea Smith
Malik Wade
Keandria Glenn
Cory Hill
Hunter Wiseman
D'anta Rentz
Mary Barr
Kellie Collins
Chelsea Jackson
Alyssa Harris
Shakeceya Burgess
Erik Stephens
Shondarias Baker
Rachel Reeves
Kyza Pickering
Gabrielle Wheeler
Jarral Merkins
DeVante Lewis
Keenan Graham
Sumanth Katari
J'Wana Dion
Devin Portwood
Tiffany Lewis
Savannah Tobin
Samuel Sawner
Jamaal Dion
Tinna Huynh
Kevonte' Jackson
Mercedes Wilson
Tarnia Campbell
Gaphney Davis
Marcus Wilson
Breannah Evora
Keondria Randall
Hasani Kilpatrick
LaShaundrick Triplett
David Schaffer
Dalisu Daniels
Jalesia Kilpatrick
Stephanie Leon
Garrett Roberts
Cermalur Gardner
Laurin Counts
Taylor Washington
Dominique Burnette
Patrick McKenzie
Brianna  AndersonSoloman
Zachara Jackson
Keyondra Mills
Jasmine Hall
Autumn Knight
Jalen Johnson

Pam Brewster
Visual Arts

   ************************
       **  MEDIA  **

In Media we have started off the year introducing to the 3-5th grade students this
years Sunshine State books.  You can find these books on our web page (http://
www.apalachee.leon.k12.fl.us).
         Students throughout Florida will read these books and vote for their favorite in
the spring.  The Department of Education will tally the votes and announce the
Sunshine State book of the year. Kindergarten-1st grade are participating in a
similar program with the Florida Reading Association Children’s books.  Our k-1st
grade students have already voted and 2nd grade will be reading them this nine
weeks.  Reading and/or listening to the books teach students many skills including
listening strategies, predicting, identifying main ideas, supporting details, character
development, story elements and increases comprehension.  Students learn to
recognize the information on the title page including the author, illustrator, and
publisher. Most  importantly, students are introduced to quality literature and develop
a love for reading.
        Many students have been using the Media Center to do research. Students are
encouraged to use nonfiction books, reference materials (both print and those on
CD) and the Internet.  In order to use the Internet, students must have returned a
signed permission form from home.  This year we have a wonderful Internet source
called “Grolier’s Online.”  This program includes, Encyclopedia America, Grolier
Multimedia Encyclopedia, The New Book of Knowledge, nueva encyclopedia
Cumbre en lina, The New Book of Popular Science, Lands and Peoples, and
America the Beautiful.  You can access this from home!  Go to Apalachee web page
“Neat Sites to Visit”.  The userid is “leonco” and the password is “leonco.”  The entire
family will find this site helpful and fun.
 Apalachee now has a listserv for parents.  You will find this on our web page under
Parent Information.  If you would like to receive a copy of the parent newsletter and
other information by e-mail join this listserv. If you have any questions, please
contact me.
 Student media aides are an important part of our program.  Students that have filled
out applications are helping in the media center once a week for 20-30 minutes.
Besides being a help to us, they become more familiar with the media center and
learn how books and materials are arranged by Dewey Decimal. They read and
help younger students to find books and use the computer.
 Parents are always welcome to visit the media center to use materials and
volunteer.

Janice Mazza
Media Specialist

   ***********************
      **  P.E.  **

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  I am Wayne Prevatt the new
physical education teacher here at Apalachee.  I have enjoyed teaching your
students and look forward to continue working with them.   My goal is to provide and
lead your student in various physical activities making each activity fun, rewarding
and educational.  My hope is they will continue physical activities throughout their
lifetime.

The first half of the year the students and I have got to know one another and what
my expectations are in class.  We have tried to create an environment that is fun,
safe, and physically enjoyable for all.  We have explored an array of activities
ranging from, fundamental soccer skills for the older student to basic tossing and
catching for the younger.  We have learned line dances, and your student has been
introduced to fitness routines such as, Chicken Fat and Taebo.

In the near future we will be receiving Pedometers for our students and staff here at
Apalachee.  These Pedometers will be provided courtesy of Capital Health Plan.
Your student will be using these to track the amount of physical activity they are
receiving daily, and will record them in their daily planners.

This Spring some of the skills we will cover are basketball, fielding and throwing,
educational gymnastics, and educational dance.

If you have any questions concerning your child and physical education please
contact me at 488-7110 or e-mail me at [log in to unmask]

Wayne Prevatt
P.E.

    ************************
   ** VISUAL  ARTS  **
    ** KEYBOARDS **
     SPECIAL  AREAS

 The first semester has been a lot of fun for all of us at Apalachee.  Third, fourth and
fifth grades have been studying Electronic Keyboards.  I’m so proud of all the
students for doing so well.  They have far exceeded my expectations. Learning to
play music using the keyboard requires a fair amount of consent ration and practice.
The students were asked to learn to play Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”.  They have done
this even though most of our students have no keyboard, (electronic, regular piano
or organ) at home.  The first step was to learn the basic four line melody of the song
and play it consistently through out.  The next step was to learn to play the song with
a keyboard generated rhythm.  The third step was to add an introduction and ending
to the music.  The fourth step added musical accompaniment generated by the
keyboard.  After the student achieved this level they can go on and start to
experiment with different voices and rhythms.  We are hoping to take those students
who achieve the accompaniment level and form a performance group during the
second semester.  Way to go keyboarders.
 Kindergarten, first grade and second grade students have been studying a unit on,
Patterns.  Kindergarten produced a pattern Art work using only basic shapes,
(squares, circles, triangles etc.) while first and second grades created their pattern
designs using their names as a base design for their designs.  Some of these
finished Art works are on display at MOA and other locations around the county as
Mrs. Brewster listed earlier in this newsletter.
During their regular work on Patterns the second grade also put forth a tremendous
effort in producing their Native American extravaganza.  The day before
Thanksgiving our campus was transformed into four different Native American
villages representing the four corners of our country.  In visual arts classes these
students learned to make all their costumes and accessories for their specific tribes.
They then created the living environment of each tribe along with the animals and
food that was part of their lives.  The finished product was spectacular.  The media
was in attendance along with many proud parents.  We thank all who were able to
attend and help with this production. As a final semester project Kindergarten, first
and second graders are during a unit on China.  They are producing pottery that
reflects the culture of China by making dragons and Tera-cotta warriors. Apalachee
Tapestry has an opportunity after the first of the year to exhibit some of these
products at the FSU Fine Arts Museum.
Bob Burkhardt
Visual Arts

 ****************************
**  DRAMA  INFUSION  **

    DRAMA INFUSION with Mrs. Meighan was scheduled for half of the classes in
each grade level for the first part of the first semester. Those classes were able to
work on exciting unit projects which covered many weeks of instruction.
        Our fourth and fifth grades began the year with an in dept study of Trickster
Tales.  Students read a variety of tales from different parts of the world and then
chose one story to present.  We read stories like How Hare Tricked Leopard, Anansi
Goes Fishing (both from Africa), The Raven (Native American) and Sylvester and the
Magic Pebble.  Students looked at the characteristics of trickster tales, identified
main characters, setting and plot and created their own way of telling the story on
stage.  Some made costumes and set materials while others used what was
available in the drama room.  Groups were videotaped and the last class involved
students critiquing each other's presentations.  We were all excited by the level of
creativity shown by our students.  Also,  as students had to retell the story, they found
that they had to pay close attention to the details of the action as it progressed.
Speaking, using expressive voices, identifying the parts of a story, sequencing
events as well as many other skills were applied in this project.
       Our third graders concentrated on a variety of scenes and stories on the topic of
Friendship.  Some readings from Open Court were acted out giving classes the
opportunity  to participate in discussions (Tree House) for example and contrasting
everything from vocal expression to staging and lighting.  Classes then looked at the
play "Charlotte's Web" from Open Court.  As well as reading parts and discussing the
concept of friendship throughout the story, we went through the process of casting
roles and blocking the action on stage.   Each class developed interpretations of the
story.   It was delightful to watch the student's ideas come alive on stage!  By the end
of October we began using our class time to rehearse the stage part of the third
grade program, Hoedown!  Both Mrs. Jones' class and Mrs. Correas' class were
experienced in drama by the time we needed to go onto the BIG stage!
         Our second graders began the year studying Fairy Tales.  We looked at a
variety of tales and then identified the characteristics of fairy tales by studying a few
Cinderella stories.  Comparing and contrasting them was so interesting!  Looking at
the French,  Irish, Egyptian, Native American versions we saw so many differences,
and yet, there were consistencies like: difficult things happening to the main
character for no apparent reason, magic, a happy ending, etc.  We then began to
use those characteristics to write our own class stories!  Each class had a totally
different story!  We ended our study by beginning to write our own fairy tales.  Some
actually completed theirs and acted them out with stick puppet characters!  Well
done, second graders!  In late October we began to work toward our Native
American Celebration.  It took us many days to create the props and costumes,
practice the dances, and write the words our performers would say the day we
shared! If you were able to attend, you saw how each class demonstrated activities
and customs of the four villages they studied.  As a final exercise, classes wrote in
their journals about that day and what they had learned.
      1st graders and Kindergarteners in drama began the year by dramatizing a few
simple stories taken from Nursery Rhymes.  1st grade took stories they were familiar
with and developed them into their own stories with puppets.  Each class created
their own story modeled after "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" which they then made into
a writing activity they took home with their own "Twinky" puppet and a background.
In this way they were able to apply their understanding of character, setting and plot.,
Many students came back to school with new stories they created at home.  First
grade then moved into their own creation of costume pieces for the fable, "The Ant
and the Grasshopper".  Each child was able to participate on stage in the drama
room as they re-told the story and learned about the habits of animals in the fall.
Two other short plays of fall gave the students more practice in reading from a script.
The final story these students have worked on has been "The Mitten".  This
wonderful folk tale from the Ukraine again leads the children into a wonderful study
of make-believe, animal habits and character, setting and plot as well as
sequencing.  Measurement became part of the study as their own paper mittens
were made.
          Our Kindergarteners spent much of their time learning the vocabulary and
concepts found in Nursery Rhymes.  They have all had turns helping to stage
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hey Diddle Diddle, the Cat and the Fiddle, Jack and Jill,
Six Little Ducks, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Baa, Baa Black Sheep and more!  They
then took some time to experiment with shadows and ways to create stories using
them.  What a fun lesson that was!  We have spent our last lessons creating our own
version of a story with the wind using our old friend, "the Grinch".  Students read
lines from a chart that they helped create as they act out their story on stage!  It has
been a wonderful way to practice all our speaking skills and vocabulary!  Great job
Kindergarteners!

Cheryl Meighan
Drama Infusion

 *************************
         **  MUSIC  **
     SPECIAL  AREAS

We have been very busy these first two 9 weeks in Music.  Kindergarten and first
grade have been working on many basic skills using beat, tempo  (fast/slow) and
dynam-ics (loud/soft).  We have used singing, movement, and echo games to
reinforce many con-cepts that are being focused on in their classrooms.  These stu-
dents have also had some playing experiences on the Orff instruments as well.
Currently, Kindergarten is working on musical experiences that tie into the "wind"
unit that is being studied with their classroom teachers.  First grade is learn-ing
about the nutcracker so they will be prepared for their upcoming field trip to the
ballet.
Second and third graders have also been working on basic music skills and
transferring that knowledge to the Orff instruments and to hand drums.  Second
grade has just finished their Native American Unit.  We spent much time learning
Na-tive American Songs, dances and legends and playing some Native American
rhythm games.  They will con-tinue working on the instrument families into the New
Year.  Third grade recently performed their Hoedown pro-gram and will continue
hand drums until the winter break.
All Kindergarten, First and Second graders will be learning early notation and
rhythm skills dur-ing the second half of the year.  We will also be reinforcing the
curricu-lum in the regular classroom whenever possible to support our magnet
program's emphasis in the arts.
The fourth graders worked on many basic music skills during the first nine weeks
and have been using hand drums and Orff instru-ments to reinforce what they have
learned.  They will be working on their grade level performance during the second
half of the year. Fifth graders have been very busy with DARE music and the recent
Winter Program.  They will now have a short Drum unit until the Winter break.
             Fourth and Fifth graders also participated in music projects during the first
nine weeks and did a great job.  We did not have projects for the
second nine weeks due to the heavy performance schedule.  We will have projects
during the third nine weeks that will be due before spring break.  Dates will be sent
home after the holidays.
Third, Fourth and Fifth graders have also participated in a new music experience
called "Limelight Learning."  Using the Tallahas-see Democrat's Limelight" section of
the newspaper we have been learning about local music events and reinforced our
music vocabu-lary through "Limelight Scavenger Hunts."  We will continue this
during the second half of the year as well as add some assignments for planning
itineraries.  This will help rein-force time and lapsed time skills needed for the FCAT.
After the Winter Break, we will begin our recorder unit and all Third, Fourth and Fifth
graders will be learning rhythm, music reading and notation skills.  This is always an
excit-ing time for the students as they earn re-corders and decorate them with
ribbons to show their accomplishments. We have certainly had a very busy first half
of the year cov-ering many benchmarks found in the Sun-shine State Standards for
Mu-sic. The second half of the year should prove to be even more exciting than the
first. I hope you all have a safe and restful Winter break.

Mary Register
Music

      ***************************
     **  GUIDANCE **

Happy Holidays to all of you.  We are looking forward to a new year that will bring
about lots of motivation and achievement at Apalachee with our
students.  We are striving very hard to stay an 'A' school.  We need the support of our
parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff, administration, and the community to
make this, once again, become a reality.  We are proud of our students and want
nothing but the best for them.  They are the adults of tomorrow, and we must pull
together in helping to build a solid foundation for each of them so that they can be
successful throughout their lives.  "They are our shining stars!"
     Season Greetings and A Happy New Year!

Lillie  Gardner
Guidance Director